John "Jack" C. Thompson, Colfax, Washington passed away on Thursday, October 13, 2011 in the Whitman Hospital and Medical Center following a long battle with cancer. He was born March 27, 1941 to Moreland and Dorothy Epley Thompson in Dayton, Washington. He graduated from Dayton High School in 1959.
He attended and graduated from Eastern Washington College (University) in 1965 with a degree in Communications. He was in ROTC for all four years of college and entered Army Officer Training School following college graduation. He was then stationed at United States Army, Signal Corps, Fort Lee, Virginia. He had various jobs until he became the Chief Deputy Assessor/Planning Director for Columbia County July, 1972 through May, 1983. He moved to Colfax in June, 1983 where he took the position of Port of Whitman County Manager, through 1990. He then assumed the position of Executive Director for Palouse Economic Development until his retirement in January, 2003.
He enjoyed bowling, golf and traveling.
He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Donna at their Colfax home, four daughters, Dana, Pat Dirks, Newport, OR., Dixie, Dave Nesteby, Dixie, WA., Lisa, Gary Duthie, Enumclaw, WA and Danita Evans, Pullman, WA. and one son, MacArthur of Kennewick, WA., 23 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. One brother, William "Bill", Carmie, Mount Vernon, WA, one niece, three nephews and one great-niece.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Colfax United Methodist Church, Saturday, October 22nd at 11:00 AM, South 109 Mill St., Colfax, WA. A graveside service will be at the Dayton Cemetery, Sunday, October 23rd at 2:30 PM with military honors.
"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal."
The family suggests memorials be made to the Colfax United Methodist Church or the American Cancer Society. On-line guest book is at www.bruningfuneralhome.com
Bruning Funeral Home, Colfax, is caring for the family.